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AATCC 174: 2022
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Quick understanding of the test
AATCC 174: 2022 - Test Method for Antimicrobial Activity of New Carpets
- Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P)
- Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352)
- Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16888)
- Carpet samples are inoculated with bacterial or fungal suspensions.
- For qualitative antibacterial testing (Test I), treated and untreated samples are placed on inoculated agar, and inhibition zones are observed after incubation.
- For quantitative antibacterial testing (Test II), bacterial inoculum is spread onto pre-wetted carpet samples and bacterial counts are determined using neutralization and plating techniques.
- For antifungal testing (Test III), treated and untreated samples are incubated with Aspergillus niger, and fungal growth is examined after 7 days.
- Provides both qualitative and quantitative assessments of antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Demonstrates adherence to industry standards, particularly important for manufacturers exporting carpets to regulated markets.
Turnaround Time
It typically takes 3-4 weeks.
Passing criteria
Qualitative Antibacterial: A clear zone of inhibition around the treated sample indicates antibacterial activity.
Quantitative Antibacterial: A significant reduction in viable bacterial count compared to untreated control is required.
Antifungal: Minimal or no fungal growth on treated samples demonstrates antifungal efficacy.
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Abstract
AATCC 174 is a test method developed by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of newly designed carpets. This test measures the potential of carpet materials to prevent microbial growth, including bacteria and molds, ensuring carpets meet required hygienic standards. This standard is also applicable for analyzing the effect of a cleaning process on the antimicrobial properties of carpets.
Test Organisms
Organisms typically used in this method include Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352), and Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16888).
Test Methods
AATCC 174 Test I โ Qualitative antibacterial assessment, single streak method
- Procedure
- Molten agar medium is poured onto sterile Petri plates and allowed to solidify.
- Test microorganisms are streaked over the agar surface, and both treated (test) and untreated (control) carpet samples are placed transversely across inoculated streaks.
- Observation
- After 24 hours of incubation, plates are examined for zones of inhibition.
AATCC 174 Test II โ Quantitative assessment of antibacterial activity on carpets
- Procedure
- Bacterial inoculum is spread onto pre-wetted carpet samples.
- Bacterial enumeration is done immediately for control samples and after 24 hours for test samples. Neutralization and plating methods are used to count viable bacteria.
- Calculation
- Reduction in viable bacteria in the test sample is compared with the initial bacterial count.
AATCC 174 Test III โ Qualitative antifungal assessment (mildew and rot resistance of carpet materials)
- Procedure
Treated and untreated carpet samples are placed on agar surfaces inoculated with Aspergillus niger. After a 7-day incubation period, fungal growth is examined.
- Observation
The presence and extent of fungal growth are recorded.
Benefits of AATCC 174 testing
Comprehensive Assessment: Evaluates antimicrobial efficacy against various microorganisms.
Standardization and Consistency: Ensures reproducibility of results across different batches of carpet materials.
Product Quality and Safety: Confirms carpets are resistant to microbial growth.
Regulatory Compliance: Assists in meeting health regulations and standards, important for market entry.
Improved Product Performance: Enhances the durability and functionality of carpets.
Market Differentiation: Certifies carpets as high-quality antimicrobial products.
Support for R&D: Provides valuable data for developing new carpet materials with better antimicrobial properties.
Applications
Residential and Commercial Carpets: Ensures safety, hygiene, and odor-free environments in homes and businesses.
Healthcare Facilities: Prevents the spread of infections in hospitals and clinics.
Hospitality Industry: Verifies cleanliness and hygiene in hotels and resorts.
Educational Institutions: Maintains a healthy environment in schools and universities.
Transportation: Ensures safety in buses, trains, and airplanes.
Retail Spaces: Confirms safe and hygienic conditions in shopping centers.
Public Buildings: Verifies antimicrobial standards in government offices and other public spaces.
Conclusion
At MIS, we offer a wide array of testing services, primarily to industries that manufacture antimicrobial textiles, disinfectants, paints and coatings. AATCC 174 testing protocols are strategized and implemented by our highly experienced microbiology experts. We utilize cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to achieve greater accuracy in the results of our analytical processes.
To get a quote on the AATCC 174 test method, please contact our experts now.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
AATCC 174 specifies antibacterial and antifungal test methods to assess the efficacy of antimicrobial carpet materials.
The test takes 3-4 weeks to complete.
At Microbe Investigations, we use the following bacterial and fungal strains for testing: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352), and Aspergillus niger (ATCC-16888). Additional strains include Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Enterococcus hirae (ATCC 10541), MRSA (ATCC 33591), Salmonella enterica (ATCC 10708), Candida albicans (MTCC 3017).
This test method is primarily used to test the antimicrobial activity of new carpet materials, assessing both antibacterial and antifungal activities on carpet fibers and materials.
The test provides a standardized way to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial treatments on textiles, ensuring treated carpets maintain hygienic standards and reduce the risk of microbial contamination in indoor environments.
The test ensures efficacy through three specific procedures: qualitative assessment of antibacterial activity (Test I), quantitative assessment of antibacterial activity (Test II), and qualitative assessment of antifungal activity (Test III).
To pass, a textile product must show sufficient antimicrobial activity, measured by the presence of a clear zone of inhibition around the test sample or a significant log reduction in bacterial load. In antifungal assessments, the absence or minimal growth of fungi on or around the test sample verifies the textile passes the test.
This test is specifically designed for carpet materials and includes both antibacterial and antifungal assessments. It differs from tests like AATCC 147 and AATCC 100, which are more general and can be applied to various textiles and fabrics.
Common challenges include ensuring consistent and representative sampling, maintaining sterile conditions to avoid contamination, accurately preparing and standardizing bacterial and fungal cultures, and interpreting results, especially in borderline cases where microbial growth is minimal.
Manufacturers should ensure textile products are clean and free from prior contamination. Proper documentation of antimicrobial treatments applied and preparation of samples according to specified dimensions and conditions are crucial. Following any specific pre-conditioning steps recommended for the test is also important.
The frequency of testing depends on the use case and regulatory requirements. For new product development, testing should be done during the R&D phase and after significant changes to the treatment process. Periodic re-testing may be required for quality assurance and to ensure ongoing efficacy of antimicrobial treatments.
After passing the test, a detailed report is provided, including descriptions of test procedures, conditions, results (zones of inhibition, percentage reductions, log reductions), and observations. This documentation validates antimicrobial claims and provides evidence of compliance with industry standards.
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